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Kita - Lordi |
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I was so excited to hear that Lordi would be doing a small US tour in November. I was even more exalted to hear that Lizzy Borden would be the opening axe. The show was an awesome display of blood and gorgeous passion. After the carnage, Wendy and I were invited backstage to hang with the Dr. Sin and his band of Supermonstars. I was also blessed with opportunity to converse with drummer Sampsa Astala whom fans know as Kita. We briefly discussed the new album - Deadache. In this paradise, we let loose our beast intentions and made ready the arockalypse. Now tell me, who's your Daddy! MettleAngel: Man, talk about the Texas switch, I was all set to speak with Mr. Lordi, and he had to cancel, so he could get out of his sweltering costume. I guess he was a bit ill this evening. I noticed his voice waning and becoming more hoarse toward the end of the show.
MettleAngel: You play New York tomorrow, and I understand that will be a very important show with a special guest from Twisted Sister.
MettleAngel: I spoke with Lizzy backstage
and he confirmed that both bands shared the same booking agent.
MettleAngel: Musically, Stolen Babies sound like Siouxsie & The Banshees meets Babes In Toyland. I can see how their appearance and theatrics fit in, though. Lizzy is the original man with the axe, of course. I was bumming that they did not plat 'Give 'Em The Axe', but at least they did play 'Notorious', 'Master Of Disguise', 'We Got The Power' and 'Me Against the World', making use of the TV on stage.
MettleAngel: Tell me about it! Lizzy looked like Gene Simmons with his Kubuki style hair, and those enourmous boots. I miss the '80s glam look, which they have not substituted for a more Hot Topic based image. I know Lizzy Borden, like King Diamond, pays homage to the Generation Landslide of psychodrama. They are also influenced by dystopic movies like Clockwork Orange, Blade Runner, & Death Wish 3.
MettleAngel: Check out their Murderous Metal Road Show DVD, to get an idea of what they initiated in the '80s. What is it like visiting the smaller club circuit in America. Venues like The House Of Blues can't compare to your arenas in Europe. Shows of this caliber do not provide for all your pyrotechnic effects.
MettleAngel: Speaking of tight, I notice you have newer, more updated costumes, do they allow you to breathe better?
MettleAngel: Like the drummer from the summer movie The Rocker. Rainn Wilson's character was steeped in sweat after each show. Speaking of the beast, you did not play 'Beast Loose In Paradise', and it is only a bonus track on the Japanese CD. I have the digipak version of Deadache with the bonus track - 'Hate At First Sight'. I would have preferred 'Beast Loose'. I purchased the CD single for that from The End Records. With just two songs in a slim jewel case, I felt like it was the '90s all over again.
MettleAngel: My five year old son's favourite song is 'Chainsaw Buffet', then 'Blood Red Sandman', which was originally called 'Blood Red Santa', right?
MettleAngel: I noticed you did not have any guest stars on the new album, was this intentional?
MettleAngel: That may because he is too busy promoting the DVD for Zombie Strippers or working with F.K.Ü. (Freddie Kreuger's Underwear). These underwearwolves just released a new 7" split CD with Hirax called: 'Twitch Of The Thrash Nerve'.
MettleAngel: F.K.Ü is a Swedish thrash horror amusing band who sound like S.O.D. Zombie Strippers is a new horror/comedy movie with Robert Englund and Jenna Jamison. You should check them both out.
MettleAngel: Well, at least he has declined doing the ludicrous remake of the Elmstreet movie due out next year. So, Lordi has proven that they can play a quality show without all the pyrotechnics. What about all the other comparisons with other bands like GWAR?
MettleAngel: Yeah, here in Cleveland, Mushroomhead is quite popular. They often get compared to Slipknot. I'm not a fan of their music, but the show is definitely entertaining. Perhaps Lordi should team up and tour with GWAR. Billy Joel is touring with Elton John.
MettleAngel: I did not think Lordi ever did. It's usually press and fans who blow everything out of proportion. What about the production on Deadache, it seemed more modern in tone.
MettleAngel: I always considered Thunderstone to be Stratovarius clones. The new Lordi songs seem more modern than newer Power/Prog. Metal from Finland.
MettleAngel: I get it, like with newer Edguy or Avantasia, the production values are beefed up, the songs are heavier; but the basic songwriting formula remains in tact.
MettleAngel: I noticed that with Deadache, the horror elements are definitely in tow. Each Universal Horror theme remains, with a more pronounced vision; less tongue in cheek.
MettleAngel: I relished the moment tonight, when he donned his Dr. Butcher meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre costume while performing 'Dr. Sin'. I was surprised the chainsaw splattered water, and not blood in the classic Blackie Lawless W.A.S.P. fashion.
MettleAngel: Lizzy definitely spread the blood around earlier,, when they played 'There Will Be Blood Tonight', he came up to me, slapped my hands together, and smudged fake blood all over my fingers and palms. I still have cherries jubilee hands. (MettleMaiden): Yeah, Michael could not hold onto anything, his hands were covered in red sticky syrup. He immediately rushed to the restroom after the set, to wash off the blood; but to little avail. I so celebrated seeing you on the Ozzfest Tour summer of 2007. Did that expand your audience and fan base here in the States?
MettleAngel: That is awesome to hear!
MettleAngel: The show tonight really exemplifies this. You really played a variety of new material. What are you favourite new songs?
MettleAngel: All the songs Lordi writes are killer. I so rejoice in that strong '80's vibe. The Twisted Sister, Accept, Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, Kiss sound is so infectious and fun.
MettleAngel: Kita, thank you for taking the time to indulge my curiosity. I'm sure you are burning up in that costume, so go get refreshed, and thank the band on our behalf. I gave your Tour Manager Rikk a printout of the CD review for Deadache, so feel free to peruse that as well.
MettleAngel: That I definitely will do, and have done. I tell everyone, it is my cause to champion the presence of Lordi in America. You are the band I recommend to the older generation, and the young alike.
See also: review of the album Deadache
Related links: www.lordi.fi |